Prime Minister Anutin leads a Thai business delegation to Vietnam, promoting the "Three Connects" strategy to connect supply chains across five future industries, aiming for bilateral trade of 50 billion U.S. dollars and seeking to elevate the ASEAN economy.
Mr. Narit Therdsteerasak, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI). He revealed that the BOI organized the "Thailand – Vietnam Investment and Business Networking 2026" conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, to promote cooperation in trade, investment, and supply chain linkage between Thai and Vietnamese private sectors. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the event, joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akniti Nitithanprapas. On the Vietnamese side, Mr. Ho Si Hung, Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), led the delegation. The event gathered 100 leading business figures from both countries.
At the event, Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that Thailand-Vietnam relations are entering a new era under the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" framework, which will enhance cooperation across all dimensions including economy, trade, investment, and private sector capacity development. Currently, Thailand is Vietnam's top trading partner within ASEAN, while Vietnam is Thailand's second-largest ASEAN trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at 24 billion U.S. dollars last year and a target to increase to 50 billion U.S. dollars in the near future. Both countries have complementary economic strengths that can mutually support and build upon each other. The Thai government stands ready to support and facilitate cooperation, believing in the private sector's potential to drive the economy. He expressed confidence that closer cooperation will strengthen regional supply chains and boost ASEAN's competitiveness amid global economic challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akniti Nitithanprapas stated that the core of the cooperation is the "Three Connects" strategy, which includes:
Supply chain connectivity.
Linking local economies and service sectors.
Connecting green growth strategies.
This strategy aligns with global trends, especially geopolitical security, the shift toward clean energy where Thai investors have expertise, and the digital and AI transformation, particularly in the semiconductor and data center industries.
. Ms. Supachai Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, explained that amid geopolitical pressures, both countries should leverage their strengths to build resilient supply chains and promote high-value and health tourism to become partners for sustainable growth.
The Sectoral Dialogue platform provided an opportunity for business leaders to discuss cooperation in five key sectors:
Clean energy.
Digital, AI, and semiconductors.
Food and beverage.
Tourism.
Industrial estate business.
Regarding Mr. Ho Si Hung, Chairman of VCCI, stated that the Vietnamese government is accelerating infrastructure improvements and supporting digital transformation, viewing Thailand as a key investment partner.
Thai companies participating included Sri Thai Superware, T.C. Pharmaceutical (TCP), BCPG, Central Group, WHA Industrial Estate, Amata Industrial Estate, Charoen Pokphand Group, ThaiBev, B.Grimm, Siam Piwat, EXIM Bank, Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, among others.
Major Vietnamese companies involved included Sun Group, a real estate and tourism developer; Sovico Group, active in finance, aviation, real estate, energy, hotels, and digital; Vietjet Air, a leading private airline; Solarvest Vietnam, a full-service clean energy provider; FPT Semiconductor, a semiconductor design and development firm; CMC Global, Vietnam's second-largest IT company; Menas Group, operating in food and beverage, retail, and real estate; SHINEC Group, an eco-industrial estate developer; and Saigon Newport, involved in ports, logistics, and industrial zones.
From these discussions, entrepreneurs from both countries reflected on opportunities and potential for cooperation by leveraging each other's strengths. Vietnamese entrepreneurs proposed collaboration opportunities in sectors such as tourism, suggesting increased air routes and flights between the two countries as a foundation for expanding other opportunities. They proposed jointly designing travel routes offering two destinations in one journey, highlighting unique tourism experiences from both countries. In food and retail, they expressed interest in partnering with Thai food, franchise, and retail businesses. In digital business, they see Thailand as a strategic partner for joint development of digital and AI technologies, including cooperation in port development, logistics systems, and industrial estates between Thai businesses and Vietnamese state enterprises.
Thai private sector representatives proposed cooperation in areas such as inviting investment in food and beverage, retail, industrial estate and real estate development, and advanced technology industries like electronic components and automotive parts, as well as joint investment in third countries. Energy sector representatives noted opportunities for Thailand and Vietnam to co-invest in third countries to produce clean energy leveraging Thai expertise, possibly considering Laos due to its ample water and wind resources for renewable energy generation to supply electricity to Vietnamese operators. These perspectives mark an important starting point for concretely advancing the "Three Connects" strategy between Thailand and Vietnam.
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